< PreviousBROKER BRILLIANCE 70OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025 BEYOND BRICKS AND MORTAR By 2030, Dubai’s most successful developments will be ecosystems, offering flexible, smart, and wellness-driven spaces designed for global citizens who see real estate as a lifestyle, not just an asset Words by Hisham El Assaad A s we approach 2030, Dubai’s real estate scenery is on the cusp of a fundamental evolution, driven by the buyer’s identity instead of infrastructure. And I believe this next chapter is about anticipating the mindset and lifestyle of the 2030 buyer, and building for them today. A DEMOGRAPHIC TIPPING POINT Based on our market assessment and evaluation, we can extract three Images supplied by: Shutterstock CWPME_Oct2025_70-73_Broker Brilliance_13725296.indd 7003/10/2025 07:36BROKER BRILLIANCE 71OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025 trends that currently defi ne the profi le of the real estate buyer in Dubai. He is getting younger, more mobile, and more globally minded. According to recent trends, millennials and Gen Z now make up a growing share of investors and renters across the city. These are digital natives, sustainability advocates and experience seekers. By 2030, Dubai’s population will be more diverse than ever, not just in nationality, but in how people work and live. The rise of digital nomads, freelancers, and tech entrepreneurs is redefi ning the concept of permanence. Within these new terms, ownership means fl exibility, access, and smart living. THE RISE OF THE NOMADIC INVESTOR The UAE’s progressive visa reforms, coupled with a post-pandemic shift toward remote work, have made Dubai a global hub for digital nomads, as already mentioned. These are individuals who might reside in Bali one quarter and Barcelona the next, but choose Dubai to anchor their investments. For this demographic, property is a hybrid space that blends living, working, and monetising. They expect high-speed internet as much as they expect concierge services. They are interested in co- living spaces, plug-and-play units and properties with built-in rental yields. Developers must move beyond fl oor plans and begin to design ecosystems, or communities that are tech-enabled, hyper-fl exible, and culturally resonant. SUSTAINABILITY IS THE NEW LUXURY For the 2030 buyer, luxury goes beyond marble fi nishes or skyline views. This new luxury is about intelligent design, green certifi cation, and energy-effi cient operations. As climate awareness rises, so does demand for properties that align with global ESG standards. Dubai has already taken commendable steps toward becoming a sustainable city. Dubai’s vision for a green future is centred on achieving net-zero carbon emissions and sourcing 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2050, guided by the Dubai Clean Energy and Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategies. The emirate has already surpassed its interim targets, reaching 16.1% clean energy by 2023, driven largely by fl agship projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the world’s largest single-site solar installation, which will exceed 5,000 MW by 2030. Complementary initiatives include the region’s fi rst green hydrogen plant powered by solar, a 250 MW hydroelectric storage facility in Hatta, and Shams Dubai, a program empowering Developers who prioritise environmental stewardship, through solar integration, water effi ciency and green materials, will therefore win market trust” Left: Millennials and Gen Z are driving a growing share of Dubai’s investors and renters Right: For the 2030 buyer, luxury means smart design, green certifi cation, and energy-effi cient living CWPME_Oct2025_70-73_Broker Brilliance_13725296.indd 7103/10/2025 07:36BROKER BRILLIANCE 72OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025 will gain an edge. Beyond physical health, mental wellness is now an essential consideration, with demand rising for quiet zones, green spaces, and mindful design. But wellness extends beyond the unit into the community. Buyers want neighbourhoods that encourage shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. Walkable masterplans, community gardens, cultural hubs, and mixed-use spaces will defi ne the most desirable districts. Developers that balance privacy with communal vibrancy will capture the evolving lifestyle of Dubai’s future residents. GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND VALUES-DRIVEN INVESTING By 2030, real estate will no longer be just about location; it will also be about alignment with identity and values. Dubai’s buyer will be a global citizen, Left: Hisham El Assaad, Founder, OSUS Properties Right: By 2030, real estate will refl ect not just location, but personal identity and values; By 2030, homeownership will be fully tech-driven, from blockchain transactions to AI-powered services homeowners to generate solar power. Sustainable building practices, such as DEWA’s net-zero-energy Al Shera’a HQ, and the Green Mobility Strategy 2030, which promotes electric and hybrid transport, round out Dubai’s integrated approach, positioning the city as a global model for renewable energy transition and sustainable urban development. Developers who prioritise environmental stewardship, through solar integration, water effi ciency and green materials, will therefore win market trust. WELLNESS AND COMMUNITY CENTRIC LIVING Another defi ning trait of the 2030 buyer is the prioritisation of health and wellbeing. Properties that integrate wellness into their design through natural lighting, air-quality systems, biophilic architecture and access to fi tness and recreation CWPME_Oct2025_70-73_Broker Brilliance_13725296.indd 7203/10/2025 07:36BROKER BRILLIANCE 73OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025 often holding multiple passports, global assets, and diversifi ed portfolios. For this audience, real estate is as much about expressing values as it is about generating returns. That means cultural inclusivity, gender-equal design, and accessibility standards will matter as much as ROI. We will be seeing a drive to create spaces that celebrate diversity, embrace global culture, and provide inclusive ownership models. Aligning developments with causes such as sustainability, social equity, and community impact will transform properties from assets into statements of belonging. TECH-FIRST The buyers of 2030 will be native to the digital economy. The whole experience of buying, owning and managing a home will be entirely tech- mediated, from blockchain-based property transactions to AI-powered customer service. Within these new game benchmarks, developers must rethink the user journey. Virtual tours, digital escrow services, and NFT-backed deeds will soon be non-negotiable. In fact, the future developer is part builder, part PropTech pioneer. WHAT MUST DEVELOPERS DO TODAY? For the future, developers must shift their mindset from transactional to experiential. It’s about communities shaped, lifestyles enabled, and long- term value created. This means developers must work towards designing for modularity and multifunctionality, embedding fl exible ownership models (e.g. fractional ownership, rent-to-own), and investing in green and smart infrastructure. They should also be building trust through transparency and digital integration, as well as understanding and involving buyers in co-creating spaces. CWPME_Oct2025_70-73_Broker Brilliance_13725296.indd 7303/10/2025 07:36FINAL KEYS 74OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2025 STEP INTO THE HEART OF THE RED SEA Saudi Arabia’s bold transformation takes centre stage as Shura Island opens its doors, blending world- class hospitality, cultural immersion, and a blueprint for sustainable tourism. At the heart of The Red Sea, the Foster + Partners-designed destination, inspired by the ‘Coral Bloom’ concept, is unveiling its first wave of resorts and attractions—setting new benchmarks in regenerative tourism under Vision 2030. A FIRST GLIMPSE OF PARADISE Phase One of the launch will see a range of resorts opening in the coming weeks, including SLS Red Sea with 150 rooms and villas—featuring overwater options— The Red Sea EDITION off ering 240 rooms, 53 suites, a spa, dining, and watersports, and InterContinental The Red Sea with 178 rooms, 32 suites, and fi ve dining venues. Adding to the attractions, Shura Links, Saudi Arabia’s fi rst island golf course, will further enhance the visitor experience. GETTING THERE Shura Island is easily accessible via Red Sea International Airport (RSI), putting it within a three-hour reach for 250 million people and within eight hours for 85% of the world’s population. Starting next month, new Qatar Airways fl ights will connect directly to RSI three times a week. Visitors can also arrive by boat via the marina or cross the 3.3 km Shura bridge, Saudi Arabia’s longest internal bridge. THE ISLAND AT A GLANCE Shura Island spans 28 km² and is naturally dolphin- shaped, making it a unique destination. The island will host 11 world-class resorts, with eight more—including Faena, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, Jumeirah, Miraval, Raffl es, and Rosewood. In addition to these luxury resorts, Shura will off er exclusive homes for sale, with handovers scheduled from the end of 2025. The entire island is designed with sustainability in mind and is fully powered by renewable energy. WHY IT MATTERS Red Sea Global (RSG) projects, including AMAALA, will create 120,000 new jobs, highlighting their major economic impact. At the same time, they set a benchmark for regenerative tourism by blending luxury, sustainability, and culture. Guests will enjoy untouched lagoons, pristine beaches, curated cultural experiences, all complemented by world-class hospitality. CWPME_Oct2025_74_Final Keys_13726602.indd 7403/10/2025 07:38Developed by YOUR BEST LIFE,WITHIN REACH. A new residential lifestyle destination focused on active living and wellness in the heart of Dubai Marina. Fully-furnished Studios, 1 Bedroom, Sky Lofts and option to combine apartments 71,000 sqft. of indoor and outdoor amenities spread across Lobby, Podium and Sky 44 Seconds away from Dubai Marina Mall, Marina Promenade and minutes away from JBR beach, with easy access to tram and metro stations Stunning panoramic views of Dubai Marina, JBR, Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah For more information on Rove Home Dubai Marina, connect with us on 800 IRTH (4784) or visit www.irth.ae Untitled-6 105/12/2024 13:28Follow us: @casamilanouae Casa Milano | Website : www.casamilanoitaly.com Call us: +971 50 210 7606, +971 4 341 2572, Toll Free : 8009394 DUBAIABU DHABISHARJAHDEIRA (SALAH AL DIN)QATAR (DOHA) Scan QR Code ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY TILES & SLABS BESPOKE WARDOBES WOODEN FLOORING SANITARYWARE RESIDENTIAL KITCHENS Casa Milano makes it iconic Got a signature project in mind? Untitled-3.indd 205/08/2025 16:28Next >